Golf club head

ABSTRACT

A golf club head is disposed. The golf club head comprises a main body, a neck portion, a hosel, and at least one adjusting groove. The main body has a heel portion and a toe portion. The neck portion is connected to the heel portion of the main body. The hosel is connected to the main body via the neck portion, and the adjusting groove is disposed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion or the hosel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on, and claims priority from, Taiwan Application Serial Number 95218959, filed Oct. 26, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a golf club head, and more particularly, to a golf club head having at least one adjusting groove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, the combination of a golf club shaft and a golf club head can be adjusted in accordance with a golfer's body, swing posture, or swing habit, thereby meeting the golfer's requirements and improving the striking efficacy, wherein the angle adjustment of the golf club head directly affects the striking efficacy and the stability thereof such as the “lie angle” defined as the angle formed by the sole of the club head and the hosel thereof; the “loft angle” defined as the angle of the face of the club with respect to the shaft.

The adjustment of the golf club head is commonly performed by a professional club adjuster. However, after the angle adjustment, the club head is susceptible to forming wrinkles, residual stress concentration or other defects caused by external force applied, especially on the area between the hosel of the golf club head and the neck portion of thereof, thus greatly affecting the structural security and appearance of the golf club head, further influencing the striking efficacy and stability of the golf club.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a golf club head for relieving the stress concentration occurring thereon during angle adjustment, thereby reducing the occurrence of wrinkles, structural deformation or residual stress concentration.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a golf club head for using adjusting grooves formed around the peripheral surface of the hosel or neck portion of the golf club head so as to relieve the stress concentration caused by the angle adjustment in any direction, thereby allowing the golf club head to perform angle adjustment from any direction.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head comprises a main body, a neck portion, a hosel, and at least one adjusting groove. The main body has a heel portion and a toe portion. The neck portion is connected to the heel portion of the main body. The hosel is connected to the main body via the neck portion, and the adjusting groove is formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion or the hosel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting grooves are a plurality of square grooves formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion or the hosel, wherein every two adjacent square grooves are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance.

Therefore, with the application of the adjusting groove of the golf club head disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, the stress concentration at any direction can be relieved during angle adjustment, so that the angle of the golf club head can be adjusted towards any direction without resulting in wrinkles structural deformation or stress concentration on the golf club head, thus improving the striking efficacy. Besides, the depth of the adjusting groove is based on the yield strength of the golf club head, and does not affect the structure security of the golf club head. Further, the angle adjustment of the golf club head becomes easier and does not need to be done by a professional club adjuster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram viewed along the 2-2′ line shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram viewed along the 6-6′ line shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In order to make the illustration of the present invention more explicit and complete, the following description is stated with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram viewed along the 2-2′ line shown in FIG. 1. The angle of the golf club head 100 is allowed to be adjusted, such as the lie angle and the loft angle, for promoting the striking efficacy of the golf club head 100. The golf club head body 1 is made of stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel or Fe—Mn—Al alloy by the method of such as casting, forging or machining. The golf club head 100 comprises a main body 110, a neck portion 120, and a hosel 130. The main body 110 has a heel portion 111, a toe portion 112 and a striking plate 113. The heel portion 111 and the toe portion 112 are respectively located at both ends of the main body 110. The striking plate 113 is located between the heel portion 111 and the toe portion 112 for hitting the ball. The neck portion 120 is formed at the heel portion 111 of the main body 110 for connecting the main body 110 to the hosel 130. The hosel 130 is used for receiving a club shaft 200. The hosel 130 has at least one adjusting groove 131 formed around the peripheral surface of the hosel 130, and the adjusting groove 131 is preferably close to the neck portion 120, wherein the adjusting groove 131 is formed by the method of such as casting, forging or machining. The adjusting groove 131 is used for relieving the stress concentration caused by the angle adjustment of the golf club head 100 and for providing the deformation space for the angle adjustment, so as to avoid forming wrinkles on the surface of the golf club head 100. Therefore, the adjusting groove 131 can enhance the artistic and the structure reliability of the golf club head 100.

TABLE 1 Tensile Strength Yield Strength Hardness Depth of adjusting (MPa) (MPa) (HRC) groove (mm) 530.90 255.11 HRB 80–90 0.1 530.90 275.79 HRB 75–85 0.1 551.58 379.21 HRB 85–95 0.2 634.32 393.00 10–20 0.2 586.05 413.69 HRB 85–95 0.3 655.00 413.69 20–28 0.3 675.69 420.58 14–22 0.3 965.27 827.37 28–38 0.7 1172.11 965.27 HRC 36–42 0.7 1447.90 1206.58 40–48 0.8 1585.79 1516.85 44–52 1

Referring to Table 1, Table 1 shows the relationship between the depth of the adjusting groove 131 and the mechanical properties of the golf club head 100. According to Table 1, the depth of the adjusting groove 131 is proportional to the yield strength of the golf club head 100. The depth of the adjusting groove 131 is substantially between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. The lower the yield strength of the golf club head 100 is, the more likely the golf club head 100 is to be deformed, and thus the external force required for angle adjustment is smaller, so that the depth of the adjusting groove 131 can be relatively shallower. On the other hand, the higher the yield strength of the golf club head 100 is, the harder the golf club head 100 is to be deformed, and thus the external force required for angle adjustment is greater, so that the depth of the adjusting groove 131 has to be relatively deeper for relieving the stress concentration.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting groove 131 can be such as a ring-shaped groove formed around the peripheral surface of the hosel 130, and the adjusting groove 131 is preferably close to the neck portion 120. Since the adjusting groove 131 is formed completely around the peripheral surface of the hosel 130, the adjusting groove 131 can mitigate the impact caused by the angle adjustment from any direction. Therefore, the adjusting groove 131 can prevent the wrinkles, the structural deformation of the golf club head 100, or the stress concentration from occurring after angle adjustment, thereby promoting the striking efficacy of the golf club head 100. Besides, the adjusting groove 131 can a user to adjust the golf club head 100 more easily, even if the user is not a professional club adjuster. Furthermore, since the adjusting groove 131 is relatively shallower (such as between 0.1 mm and 1 mm), it does not damage the integral structure of the golf club head 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Same reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used in the second embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the golf club head structure shown in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment with respect to configuration and function, and thus is not stated in detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in comparison with the first embodiment, the adjusting groove 131 a of the second embodiment is disposed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion 120 for reducing wrinkles, structural deformation or stress concentration occurring on the neck portion 120 of the golf club head 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Same reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used in the third embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the golf club head structure shown in the third embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment with respect to configuration and function, and thus is not stated in detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in comparison with the first embodiment, the adjusting groove 131 b of the third embodiment is a spiral-shaped groove disposed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion 120 or the hosel 130, wherein the number of spirals regarding the adjusting groove 131 b is proportional to the yield strength of the golf club head 100. For example, when the yield strength of the golf club head 100 is higher (the golf club head 100 is harder to be deformed), the number of spirals regarding the adjusting groove 131 b can be increased for relieving the stress concentration caused by the angle adjustment. Meanwhile, the depth of the adjusting groove 131 b can be decreased when the number of spirals regarding the adjusting groove 131 b is increased, thereby preventing the adjusting groove 131 b from affecting the structure security of the golf club head 100; and reducing wrinkles, structural deformation or stress concentration occurring on the golf club head 100.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram viewed along the 6-6′ line shown in the FIG. 5. Same reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the golf club head structure shown in the fourth embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment with respect to configuration and function, and thus is not stated in detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in comparison with the first embodiment, the adjusting groove 131 c of the fourth embodiment are a plurality of square grooves formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion 120 or the hosel 130, wherein every two adjacent square grooves are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance. Therefore, the adjusting groove 131 c can mitigate the impact caused by the angle adjustment applied from any direction and prevent wrinkles, structural deformation or stress concentration from occurring on the golf club head 100.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Same reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the golf club head structure shown in the fifth embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment with respect to configuration and function, and thus is not stated in detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 7, in comparison with the first embodiment, the adjusting groove 131 d of the fifth embodiment are a plurality of square grooves formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion 120 or the hosel 130, wherein each two of the adjusting groove 131 d are partially overlapped with each other. Therefore, the adjusting groove 131 d can further mitigate the impact caused by the angle adjustment applied at any direction and prevent wrinkles, structural deformation or stress concentration from occurring on the golf club head 100.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing a golf club head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Same reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the golf club head structure shown in the sixth embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment with respect to configuration and function, and thus is not stated in detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 8, in comparison with the first embodiment, the at least one adjusting groove 131 e of the sixth embodiment are simultaneously formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion 120 and the hosel 130. Therefore, the adjusting groove 131 d can further mitigate the impact caused by the angle adjustment applied at any direction and prevent wrinkles, structural deformation or stress from occurring concentration on the golf club head 100.

Therefore, the adjusting groove shown in the respective embodiments of the present invention are formed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion or the hosel, wherein the adjusting groove can be a ring-shaped groove, spiral-shaped groove, or a plurality of square grooves. When the angle of the golf club head is being adjusted, the adjusting groove can mitigate the impact from at any direction for reducing wrinkles, structural deformation or stress concentration occurring on the golf club head. Further, the depth of the adjusting groove (such as between 0.1 mm and 1 mm) does not affect the structure security of the golf club head.

As is understood by a person skilled in the art, the foregoing embodiments of the present invention are strengths of the present invention rather than limiting of the present invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structure. 

1. A golf club head, comprising: a main body having a heel portion and a toe portion; a neck portion connected to the heel portion of the main body; a hosel connected to the main body via the neck portion for receiving a club shaft, wherein the hosel has a first peripheral surface; and at least one adjusting groove formed around the first peripheral surface of the hosel.
 2. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting groove is a ring-shaped groove.
 3. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting groove are a plurality of square grooves formed around the first peripheral surface of the hosel, wherein every two adjacent square grooves are spaced from each other at a predetermined interval.
 4. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting groove are a spiral-shaped groove.
 5. The golf club head as claimed in claim 4, wherein the number of spirals regarding the spiral-shaped groove is determined by the yield strength of the golf club head.
 6. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is determined by the yield strength of the golf club head.
 7. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is substantially between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
 8. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is substantially between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
 9. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of the golf club head is stainless steel.
 10. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck portion has a second peripheral surface, and the adjusting grooves is further disposed around the second peripheral surface of the neck portion.
 11. A golf club head, comprising: a main body having a heel portion and a toe portion; a neck portion connected to the heel portion of the main body, wherein the neck portion has a first peripheral surface; a hosel connected to the main body via the neck portion for receiving a club shaft; and at least one adjusting groove formed around the first peripheral surface of the neck portion.
 12. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the adjusting groove is a ring-shaped groove.
 13. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the adjusting groove are a plurality of square grooves formed around the first peripheral surface of the neck portion, wherein every two adjacent square grooves are spaced from each other at a predetermined interval.
 14. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the adjusting groove are a spiral-shaped groove.
 15. The golf club head as claimed in claim 14, wherein the number of spirals regarding the spiral-shaped groove is determined by the yield strength of the golf club head.
 16. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is determined by the yield strength of the golf club head material.
 17. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is substantially between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
 18. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the depth of the adjusting groove is substantially between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
 19. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the material of the golf club head is stainless steel.
 20. The golf club head as claimed in claim 11, wherein the hosel has a second peripheral surface, and the adjusting grooves is further disposed around the second peripheral surface of the hosel. 